Catch Us If You Can - Synopsis

Catch Us If You Can is a novel written by Catherine MacPhail. It is a warm and interesting novel which revolves around the theme of love and care among people. This novel is one of the necessary components in SPM 1119 English. It is to be answered in Section D: SPM Paper 2 and allocates a generous amount of 15 marks.

Here's a synopsis of the novel Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail.

The story is about Rory and his grandfather, Granda. They live and take care of each other since Rory's father ran away from the family. They live in a small flat. Rory is a filial grandson. He sacrifices a lot to take care of his Granda. He gives up football to spend time with Granda and always buy lunch for him after school too. This is all because Granda is getting old and forgetful! One time, Granda accidentally sets fire to himself after forgetting to put off his pipe. In another instance, Granda sets fire to his and Mrs Foley's coats during Parents Night at school. This may seem funny, but not to Rory as it shows that Granda's memory is becoming worse.

One day, the unwanted thing happens. Granda set fire to their flat while trying to cook. This changes their lives as Rory is sent to Castle Street and Granda to Rachnadar. When this happen, Rory and Granda become very sad. He can see Granda's life falling apart. So, he plans the Great Escape with Granda.

First, Rory breaks Granda out of Rachnadar and together they run away to hide in Darren's mother's caravan. Darren is Rory's best friend. The police starts searching for them and they appear on national news! From then onward, Rory and Granda starts running away and meet many good and kind-hearted people who help them. During the escape, Rory learns many new things about Granda and they go through adventurous journey together.

Rory learns that his father is currently in Liverpool but he knows Granda will not want to meet him. Granda is still angry at his father for leaving them. Thus, with the help of Rab, a friend Rory meets on the Great Escape, he quietly plans their journey to Liverpool. One night, Rory and Granda has to run away because the police is coming after them. They run in the cold night and sleep at a bus shelter. When Rory wakes up, he tries to wake Granda up but fail. He is afraid Granda might be dead. So, Rory runs around looking for help.

Luckily, help arrives for Granda and amazingly, Rory's father comes too! The truth is, he has been searching for Rory and Granda since the first time he heard about them on national news. After that incident, Granda is sent to the hospital and recovers with good health. Rory and Granda then live with Rory's father in Liverpool. At last, their Great Escape has led them to a new and better life as a family.